Cosmetology at Northern Michigan University
Northern Michigan University accepts 70% of applicants, balancing access with selectivity, with a mid-sized student body of 6,425 in Marquette, MI.
Program Analysis
First-year earnings of $21,628 put Northern Michigan University's Cosmetology program 25% above the national median of $17,289 — one of the higher-earning programs in this field.
The 17.0x earnings multiple means ten-year projected earnings exceed tuition cost by an order of magnitude. Trade programs often deliver strong ratios, and this one is a standout.
AI risk is moderate — 24% task exposure — and the 0% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook for Cosmetology graduates.
With first-year pay of $21,628 far exceeding the $9,833 median debt, the payback timeline is measured in months, not years.
At #1071 out of 1,095 programs, Northern Michigan University's financial outcomes for Cosmetology trail the majority of peers. The value case depends on other factors.
With 5 registered apprenticeships mapped to Cosmetology, graduates have substantial options for hands-on training paths that pay from day one.
Earnings Overview
Projected 10-Year Earnings
Based on actual graduate salary data and Bureau of Labor Statistics growth projections.
Top Career Paths
Top career paths for Cosmetology graduates by median salary.
| Career Path | Median Salary | Growth | AI-ProofAI |
|---|---|---|---|
| Personal service managers, all other | $61,340 | +6.5% | 48% |
| Makeup artists, theatrical and performance | $50,280 | +8.1% | 66% |
| First-line supervisors of personal service workers | $47,080 | +6.7% | 59% |
Cosmetology Career Guide
Cosmetology opens doors to multiple career tracks. Our pillar guide covers every mapped occupation with salary data and AI resilience ratings.